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Chapter 20
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2025-02-14 08:49:54
VictoryAnne ViceDo you think she'll make it out of there? Or has she jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire? If you are enjoying this story so far, consider leaving it a gem or two in appreciation. Thank you for reading my story :)
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Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashedย ย ย Chapter 21
[Addison]When I looked up at my savior, I couldnโt believe itโ it was Hunter! As if I had conjured him from my dreams, Hunter Grant appeared like a vision, too wonderful to be real, his strong arms holding me close to his chest. His touch is gentle and strong as he adjusts his grip being careful to avoid my bruises and swollen ankle as he looks me over from head to foot. Finally I settle in, my cheek against his warm wool suit, his natural, masculine scent blended with soap and a faint cologne calming me as I let myself relax in his arms."I have you now," my rescuer promises, cradling me like something precious. "You're safe with me." And I do feel safe, safer than I have in a very long time. Possibly safer than I've ever felt.Hunter looks over his shoulder to glare at my husband, who sputters curses as he stands on the front porch shaking his fist in anger, sweat rolling down his angry red face. Seeing him there with his blonde hair askew, I find myself wondering where the dashi
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-02-16Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashedย ย ย Chapter 22
[Michael][Earlier...]She's gone. I had been upstairs for less than 20 minutes. If I hadn't come downstairs to grab a glass of water, would I have noticed her missing? How long has she been gone?The door is wide open. Could she have made it off the front porch by herself? No. I can't imagine that...Oh gods, what if someone took her? What if she hadn't been lying about the kidnapping. I know she's wrong about Evelyn, but that doesn't mean someone else isn't trying to hurt them both. My head pounds, my ears having the hallow sound of an impending migrane as I rush outside. There is no sign of a struggle, no sign that anyone else has been here at all."ADDY!" maybe she's just sitting in the garden. "ADDISON!"She isn't on the porch, or the garden swing. She isn't sitting on any of the stumps.How could she just vanish.Running inside, my feet slip on the slick floor as they slide on the tattered shreads of our divorce agreement. She had promised to apologize for her mistakes, to make
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-02-17Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashedย ย ย Chapter 23
[Addison][Two Months Later] When I entered the Grant Family manor, it was with the understanding that it would be temporary. โI just need to call Tracy. Sheโll help me get back on my feet. Iโll find my own place and then Iโll be out of your hair.โ And while I did call Tracy, and she did come over, her response was to leave me there. โUntil you recover. This place is a MUCH nicer place to heal than my one bedroom apartment.โ What started out as one day turned into ten, and before I knew it two months have passed. Although technically I never accepted the position as Livyโs nanny and tutor, it sorta justโฆhappened. Every morning, the contract sits on the table with a pen waiting for me to sign. And every morning, I take the contract and recycle it, with no intention of signing it. I donโt know why I hesitate. Maybe because it will give me an official spot in their household and I'm not quite ready for that yet--to feel like I belong to this little family. My heart is still aching wi
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-02-19Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashedย ย ย Chapter 24
The next morning I woke up bright and early to prepare Livyโs special breakfast. She has no food allergies, but she can be very particular about what she eats. Thankfully she loves yogurt and strawberries almost as much as I do. While running errands together, she helped me pick a bright red basket of fresh berries from the market. She ate half of them on the way home, but the other half weโll have this morning with yogurt, granola, and honey. A nice, balanced breakfast for her special day. But as I enter the kitchen, not only do I see breakfast is already made and waiting, but there is also a large package waiting next to yet another copy of the work contract. โStubborn man,โ I smirk as I push the contract away and lift the lid of the box. Inside is a fine leather briefcase, the kind that looks almost more like a purse, with a long strap and a flap that locks with a shining brass buckle. On a brass plate, my name, Addison Archer Stone, is engraved. Itโs beautiful. โDo you like
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-02-20Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashedย ย ย Chapter 25
[Addison]โMichael Stone,โ folding my arms, I glare at him. The nerve of this man! โMaybe I should be asking you that question. Why are you here? Did you have me followed?โHow did he find me at Livyโs new school? I have been so careful to not give him any clue as to where I have been staying, and now heโs here, like a bad penny that keeps turning up. Michaelโs fists clench as he takes a step forward. โYou! Just admit it, Addy, youโre here to get back in my good graces. But guess what,โ he takes Evelynโs hand more firmly in his. โIโm doing just fine without you. If you are ready to apologize I might reconsider. But you will need to come forward and accept charges on the kidnapping andโฆโโI was the one kidnapped!โ I gasp, outraged. โWhy would I take blame in my own kidnapping?โ I guess I shouldn't be so surprised that still believes Evelynโs lie. In his mind, she has become faultless. Hunter takes a step forward. Holding out his hand he presents Michael with his business card. โPlease
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-02-23Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashedย ย ย Chapter 26
[Addison] I can hear my blood rushing through my ears as I race to place myself in between the two children. I am barely able to shield Livyโs body with my own before Jayson lands a hard kick in my side, about where Livyโs head would have been. โControl your son!โ A harsh voice barks behind me. It is only when his firm hands reach down to help me stand that I realize it is Hunter, coming to my rescue again. โHunter, itโs okay. He canโt hurt me,โ I remind him as he picks Livy off the ground. She buries her head in his chest, her body shaking. I expected Michael and Evelyn to be right behind me, but apparently, they were less concerned about the situation than I was, because rather than do their part to mediate the situation, Michael was pointing his finger in this direction while speaking to Ms. McKenna. I donโt know what he is saying to her, but by the look of horror on her face, I can only imagine it is more lies. โYou are a bad mother!โ Jayson screams as he continues to kick m
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-02-23Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashedย ย ย Chapter 27
[Michael]What a disaster.Addy is acting so strangely. First, she left me for another guy, and now she's standing up to me, talking back, defending some little girl she doesn't even know. She doesn't even look like herself anymore. I hate her new haircut, and who is she kidding with those shoes? Red leather pumps and a cream-colored suit to drop someone off at school? When did she become so stylish?And shameless, flaunting her lover like a trophy husband. Seeing how he protected her makes my skin crawl. He says he's her employer, but I don't buy that for a minute. I looked into him. Mr. Hunter Grant is a notorious playboy. He has a string of broken hearts, girls who dream of being the lady of the manor.How the hell did Addy get involved with him? She hardly ever goes out. Did they run into each other at a charity auction? During a case? It's a fucking mystery.What does he even see in her? She's only conventionally pretty and average in bed. He must have a reason for wanting her, bu
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-02-23Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashedย ย ย Chapter 28
[Addison] Five interviews. Thatโs how many times Iโve been rejected without being seen. My first interview was called off without an explanation, canceling it only minutes before I entered the building. The second interview I had arranged was canceled the night before. Today's interview, scheduled at 9 am, is with the law firm, Maverick and Sons. While not on the top of my list, is still a fine company. The pay isnโt as good, and the benefits are moderate, but itโs a foot in the door and thatโs really all I can ask for as I start over. โWeโre sorry, Mrs. Stone, but weโll need to reschedule your interview to next week, our interviewer has had some home complications andโฆโ The receptionist at the other end of the call rattled on. Iโm not feeling very compelled to listen. I know what I need to know from the apologetic tone of her voice. Iโm being sent away, again, before anyone has had a chance to meet me. Frustrated, I reschedule and then hang up. Itโs hopeless. Iโll have to l
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-02-28
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Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashedย ย ย Chapter 84
[Hunter][A little bit earlier]My crew waltzes through the main lobby, pausing long enough for the cameras to catch us. We want to make sure that every bit of footage shows we arrived together as well as when we arrived. "Say alibi," I laugh, waving at the camera. "Alibi!" They laugh along with me as a few other patrons walk around us, giving us a wide berth. In full gansta fashion, we prominade to the wide elevator where we easily fit, and press the button for the ballroom three floors down from where my shining angel waits for me to return. "What's got ya smilling, Boss," AJ smirks. "Thinking about something...or some one?"The doors open. "Nothin for you, to worry about," I frown. I need to be more careful. I'd hate to give something away that could put her in danger. And everything about tonight is exactly that, dangerous. I left Addison on the top floor, surrounded by people who love her. Charley is with her. Her friends are with her. She should be safe. She should be...My
Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashedย ย ย Chapter 83
What do I say? Mr. Jersey is going to be mad when he learns I didn't follow his orders. "A good apprentice always follows orders. Pulling up my pants, I hope I don't smell too much like poop as I step out of the trees towards his voice. "Um yeah," I lie, hoping he doesn't guess the truth. "I...um...wanted to help so I can learn to be a big strong guy like you.""Don't try to grow up too fast, Little Man," Mr. Jersey chuckles up at me from inside a deep hole. There are other black bags broken and twisted by his feet. I can't see what's inside. I asked Mr. Jersey once, and he told me that if he showed me, he'd have to leave me here in the woods.I'm pretty sure he was joking."Well since you wanna be useful, why don't you go on over to the car and pull out the second shovel," he pulls a handkerchief out of his pocket and wipes the sweat fromhis brow. "I sure could use a strong guy like you to help me cover this hole."A warm feeling
Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashedย ย ย Chapter 82
[Jayson][Much Earlier]Mama Evelyn is going to be mad at me. She hates it when I get in trouble at school and Headmistress Andrews calls her to pick me up. Daddy hates it even more, says I'm an "inconvenience."Two days ago, it was Jimmy Alexandrov. He thinks he's SOOOO special because his mom is some kind of fancy diplomat. He was bragging that was why he was able to get those special Ranger Robin super shoes I've been begging for. He called me an orphan idiot. So I smacked him and kicked him until he was covered with bruises. Today it was Melodie Michaels. She's such a snob. She said I was so terrible that my mama ran away leaving me with a "substitute mom." Mama Evelyn got a job as a substitute teacher last week, and so people have been calling her my "substitute mom." It's annoying and I hate it. I love Mama Evelyn, but I have a real mom too. I tried to explain that to the Headmistress, but she didn't understand. Her wrinkled face twisted as she listened to me speak. I alrea
Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashedย ย ย Chapter 81
[Michael]"Wait! Addison!" I call after her as the Debrassy's men flank me, their strong arms grabbing my shoulders. " I'm sorry I had to show you this, but it was for your own good. Please come back with me, Jayson needs you. I need you."Her beautiful, innocent face looks at me in shock and horror as she blinks between us--the man she once loved and the gangster who has stolen her heart. I expected her to run from him, to leap into my arms begging me to forgive her, to redeem her. I was ready for that. I wasn't ready for this. She turns her back from me, facing the thug like a flower turning to the sun, her hand reaching out towards him, seeing him underneath his disguise. "Let one of my brides take her," Hazardous, AKA Hunter Grant, requests of one of the most dangerous men in New York. "I want to make sure she doesn't cause any mischief." And Mr. DeBrassy agrees, nodding and smiling in Hunter's direction. Treating her like he would any mob wife--as something precious. Shaking
Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashedย ย ย Chapter 80
[Addison]He's lying. In the little time I've known Hunter, he's done nothing to make me question who he is and where his loyalties lie. He is an upstanding man, a good leader, and an excellent uncle. Can someone who gives to his world as much as Hunter Grant be a gangster too?"If what you are saying is true, Michael," I pull my arm of his grip as the elevator door shuts. "Why go through all this to show me? You could have called or written an email. This doesn't make sense." Michael laughs, "Why can't I come to my wife's party? It seems all my friends are there. All the best firms, except for our firm, Addy? Why's that?"His expression sours from manic joy to pouting toddler in a matter of seconds. Even for Michael, this feels off balanced. "Michael, what's really going on here? This isn't like you?"Michael gives me an incredious look, his face twisted as he turns his head to stare me down. "You're one to talk! I'm not the one who ran off with a mobster because my spouse brought h
Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashedย ย ย Chapter 80
[Hunter]In a suit and tie, my tattoos are invisible, allowing me to be the person the investors expect me to be while I run the day to day workings of a fortune 100 company. As far as the upstanding part of NYC business is aware, Hazardous and Hunter Grant are not the same person. I work hard to keep my two lives separate. Just like DeBrassy does with his identity, Mr. D., we both know who the other man is, but in the boardroom, we pretend not to be criminals, and in spaces like these, we are done pretending. Here, we get to be the beasts we truly are.In some ways, this criminal underworld is more real than reality. It's more visceral, sensual, and alive. Nothing is off limits. Everything is possible. For some, it can be paradise. For others, Hell. And as far as I'm concerned, it's the furthest place I ever want Addy or Livy to be. I never want them to know this side of me, to see the gutters I need to swim in to preserve their safe world.Because tonight I dance with the devil to
Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashedย ย ย Chapter 79
[Hunter]Addison shines like a gem tonight, an elegant professional speaking with other like-minded people passionate about the same type of work. She was born to this. She might not realize it yet, but this is where she was always meant to be. She's standing next to the professor, laughing at something another legal guru from one of the finest firms in NYC said, meeting his verbal jabs with equal skill. Seeing her like this makes my heart feel lighter. After everything she's been through to get to this point, she deserves to be the bright star of this evening. I wish I could spend it with her. But I need to take care of business--dark dealings with the type of sinister low-lifes I plan to keep her from ever encountering. I would never want this filth to tarnish her shine. Silently signaling my lieutenant, I pretend to take a work call and excuse myself, leaving Addison in Charley's careful care. "I might not be back," I apologize. "This is a big deal, we can...""We can check in la
Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashedย ย ย Chapter 78
[Michael]The grim armed woman takes a step forward, blocking me from Addison's view."It's time for you to go, Mr. Stone," she repeats. "Now." Standing my ground, I refuse to move. She won't shoot me, not in front of all these people, all these lawyers. She'd be thrown behind bars. "Grant Group has a restraining order placed against you, Mr. Stone, and if you do not leave the premises immediately, I am authorized to use force if necessary." The woman tilts her head, watching, waiting for an excuse to follow through on her promise. Hundreds of eyes are watching us, hearing everything as we spill our family secrets on the floor of this grand ballroom, our words flying to smash into one another.Addison is angrier than I've ever seen her, an avenging angel, glaring at me with eyes of burning steel. Next to her is a tall, dark-skinned woman who, unlike the rest of those gathered, wears a no-nonsense suit, her hand hovering over a gun.She means business. And her business, from her sta
Heart of Stone: Her Revenge Unleashedย ย ย Chapter 77
[Addison]โOh, it looks like Iโm late,โ my ex-husband laughs, his hands in his pockets as he surveys the scene. โAnd with so many of my friends here, too. Hi Steve,โ Michael waves to a man standing by the bar. "How's Cheryl?" Swaggering into the room, my ex parts the crowd until he's standing only a few feet away. Looking above my head, he sees the sign saying "Happy Divorce Day," and he smirks, his eyes flashing with sarcastic mirth. "Really, Addy? Just come home already. This game is getting old." Reaching forward, Michael holds out his hand to take mine. Taking a step back, I glare as I look around the room. Hunter is gone, Carter is now missing, and Charley is doing her best to make it to my side without causing an even bigger scene. I'm alone. "Michael, this isn't a game," I try to keep my voice low, even though this has already drawn the attention of most of the people in the room. "And I have a restraining order. You shouldn't be here right now. Why are you here?"Michael
